What do cheetahs eat?

CheetahsA mother and her cubs looking out over the savanna.

Cheetahs are carnivores, which means that their diet consists primarily of meat. They hunt a variety of animals, such as birds, rabbits, and young warthogs. They also prey on many species of antelope, including the springbok, impala, gazelle, kudu, hartebeest, oryx, and roan. These animals are not only abundant in the cheetah’s natural habitat but also provide the right balance of nutrients and energy needed for the cheetah’s active lifestyle.

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title: What do cheetahs eat?
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 05 November 2026
Access Date: November 14, 2026